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Neural Stem Cell Culture

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing, multipotent cells that generate the basic cell types of the nervous system. NSCs primarily differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, depending on environmental cues. The use of neural stem cells in research and medicine is becoming increasingly widespread. The discovery that neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes arise from neural stem cells located in specific regions of the brain, such as SVZ and hippocampus, reveals the potential of using NSCs to treat central nervous system diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. More recently, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been proposed as an alternative efficient method of generating neural stem cells.

MilliporeSigma offers a broad range of tools and technologies to culture neural stem cells including proprietary human and rodent NSC lines from various sources, optimized serum-free expansion and differentiation media, media supplements and a broad range or NSC related antibodies.

Produced in a GMP state-of-the-art facility with an available Device Master File (DMF).

Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Media

Human ES/iPS Neural Induction Media

The discovery that somatic cells could be converted into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with the expression of four transcription factors has created an exciting new area of stem cell biology research. MilliporeSigma offers ready-to-use differentiation media that incorporate supplements, small molecule inhibitors, and growth factors to easily produce neural progenitors and specific neural and glial subtypes from human iPS cells.

Workflow showing all steps in iPS cell generation and subsequent differentiation to neural lineages. In as few as four steps, adult fibroblasts can be converted to neural lineages using media formulations for modulating cell fate. Along with iPS cell-generating reprogramming technologies (STEMCCA™ and Simplicon™ kits), EMD Millipore now offers media to generate different neural and glial subtypes from iPS cells for “disease-in-a-dish” researchers.

The AXIS microfluidic device can be used to study neurite outgrowth in living cells. Each device is composed of two wells and an interconnected channel, separated by a set of microgrooves. The hydrostatic pressure formed by volume differential between chambers induces fluidic isolation of the solution on the low volume side of the device. The microfluidic design of an AXIS device allows for development and maintenance of a fluidic gradient of chemoattractants, toxins or other molecules of interest, facilitating controlled exposure and differentiation of axons.